In a bid to raise awareness and encourage compliance, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), has issued a series of publications and announcements clarifying the scope, framework, and expectations of its Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme.
The MCPD, often referred to as Mandatory CLE, has stirred discussions within the legal community, especially among younger lawyers. While opinions vary on its timing and priority amidst broader challenges facing the profession, the NBA emphasizes that the CLE requirement is a legal obligation grounded in the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), rather than a discretionary policy.
Legal Foundation for Mandatory CLE
According to the NBA’s publication, Rules 11 and 12 of the RPC make Continuing Professional Development a statutory condition for legal practice in Nigeria. Specifically, Rule 11(1) states that a lawyer must participate in and satisfy the requirements of the CPD programme operated by the NBA to carry on legal practice.
Furthermore, Rule 12 stipulates that only lawyers who have fulfilled CPD obligations and paid their practicing fees will be listed on the Annual Practicing List and issued a Practicing Certificate. Without this, a lawyer may not conduct court proceedings, sign legal documents, or function in an official legal capacity.
Revised Credit Hours and Flexibility
Acknowledging the concerns raised by practitioners, especially those early in their careers, the NBA has reduced the required CPD credit hours to just five (5) hours annually—a significant drop from the previously required 12–24 hours depending on year of call. This concession is aimed at easing compliance, promoting accessibility, and encouraging lifelong learning across the profession.
To ensure flexibility, the NBA has accredited various forms of learning and engagement that count towards CPD credit, including:
- Webinars and workshops by NBA-ICLE or accredited partners
- Participation in legal training during branch meetings
- Writing or publishing scholarly legal articles
- Attending conferences or presenting papers
- Lecturing, moot judging, and post-graduate legal studies
Registration and Access
To access CPD programs and track CLE points, lawyers are encouraged to sign up on the NBA-ICLE portal:
- Visit www.nbaicle.org
- Click on “Sign Up”
- Enter your Call to Bar details accurately
- Provide a valid email and your Supreme Court Number (e.g., SCN000111)
- Submit and begin accessing available trainings
The portal provides free and paid trainings, including self-paced courses. CPD hours can also be earned through branch-organized sessions once approved and accredited by NBA-ICLE.
Support for Lawyers Facing Hardship
To address financial and personal challenges, the NBA says it has introduced a Hardship Waiver Policy, which includes:
- Discounted or waived training fees
- Free participation slots for those in need
- Temporary exemptions due to health or exceptional circumstances
Requests are evaluated under the NBA MCPD Rules, 2025 (Rules 5 & 21).
Not a New Requirement
The NBA clarified that mandatory CLE is not a novel initiative. The framework dates back to the 2007 MCLE Rules, amended several times since. The 2025 MCPD Rules are a continuation and strengthening of this long-standing mandate, with renewed focus on enforcement and accessibility.
Towards a Competent, Future-Ready Bar
While debates about timing or prioritization persist, the NBA maintains that CLE is essential to ensure that Nigerian lawyers remain ethically grounded, up-to-date with legal developments, and globally competitive.
In a statement signed by Prof. Festus Emiri SAN (Chair, NBA-ICLE Board) and Prof. C.V. Odoeme (Board Secretary), the Institute noted:
“The MCPD programme is not punitive. It aims to enhance competence and professionalism across the Bar. Continuous legal education safeguards the relevance and excellence of our profession in a rapidly evolving legal and technological landscape.”
NBA-ICLE CPD/CLE Points Allocation Guide
For More Information
Lawyers seeking to register for CPD programmes or download the MCPD Rules may visit www.nbaicle.org or contact:
- 📧 icle@nigerianbar.org.ng
- 📧 sarah.ajijola@nigerianbar.org.ng
- ☎️ 0706 539 9177